Best Documentaries about Mongolia
Best Documentaries about Mongolia
Documentaries offer a raw, truthful glimpse into real lives, landscapes, and cultures—often more impactful than fictional films. Mongolia’s vast steppes, nomadic heritage, and spiritual depth have inspired numerous filmmakers around the world. Below is a curated list of the best documentaries about Mongolia, ranked by IMDb rating.
1. Falconer (2015)
IMDb Rating: ★ 8.5/10
Directors: Edwin Brochin, Fernando Del Rio
Genres: Documentary, Adventure, Biography
Synopsis:
Follow international martial arts champion Eddie Brochin on a personal journey to master the ancient art of falconry. His path leads him to the remote mountains of Mongolia, where he learns the secrets of flying golden eagles from Kazakh eagle hunters—direct descendants of Genghis Khan. A rare fusion of ancient tradition and modern determination.
2. The Story of the Weeping Camel (2003)
IMDb Rating: ★ 7.4/10
Directors: Byambasuren Davaa, Luigi Falorni
Genres: Drama, Family (Semi-Documentary)
Synopsis:
In the Gobi Desert, a nomadic family faces a crisis when a rare white camel colt is rejected by its mother. As tradition dictates, a musician is summoned to perform a calming ritual known as the “camel ceremony.” This heartwarming, semi-documentary film captures the emotional and spiritual bond between humans and animals in the harsh yet beautiful Mongolian steppe.
3. Ub Lama (2011)
IMDb Rating: ★ 8.4/10
Director: Guido Ferrari
Genres: Documentary, Drama, Family
Synopsis:
A 12-year-old boy in Ulaanbaatar lives in a traditional ger (yurt) but dreams of hip-hop, technology, and urban life. Caught between modern aspirations and a humble reality, he makes a life-changing decision—to become a Buddhist monk. A touching story about spiritual calling in a fast-changing world.
4. Taiga (1992)
IMDb Rating: ★ 7.9/10
Director: Ulrike Ottinger
Genres: Documentary
Synopsis:
This ambitious, 8-hour ethnographic documentary captures the lives, beliefs, and rituals of the Darkhad nomads and Sojon Uriankhai in northern Mongolia. With no narration, it immerses viewers into the rhythms of nomadic existence—from shamanic rites to seasonal migrations. A meditative, visually rich masterpiece for patient viewers.
5. State of Dogs (1998)
IMDb Rating: ★ 7.3/10
Directors: Peter Brosens, Dorjkhandyn Turmunkh
Genres: Documentary
Synopsis:
Set in Ulaanbaatar, this poetic documentary follows Baatar, a stray dog whose spirit wanders after being shot by a city-hired dog hunter. Through the dog’s memories and metaphysical reflections, the film explores Mongolian beliefs about reincarnation, loyalty, and life on the edge of urbanization.
